Famed comedian, actress, and everybody’s favorite person Betty White died at age 99 on December 31, 2021. She was just a couple weeks shy making it to her 100th birthday on January 17th.
In a polarized society, White has long been a unifying beacon of hope and positivity. She is well known for long running roles on sitcoms Hot in Cleveland (2010-2014), The Golden Girls (1985-1992), and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977). She was married three times and had no children. She was married to her third husband, Allen Ludden, from 1963 until his death in 1981.
White’s career in radio, television, and movies spanned nearly eight decades. That’s a long time for any profession, especially for Hollywood’s notoriously brutal industry. White adapted her career as she aged and entertained audiences of all ages in roles such as Rose Nylund on Golden Girls and Grandma Annie in The Proposal, a 2009 movie starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds, among other actors, joked about having a longstanding crush on Betty White. She was universally liked and has been called “America’s Sweetheart” and “The First Lady of Television.”
White earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995. She was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame that same year. In addition to other awards, she won eight Emmy Awards for her skills and talent.
The renowned actress didn’t take herself or her so-called secret to life too seriously. When asked about the secret to her longevity by Parade magazine, she confessed to drinking vodka and hot dogs and not restricting her diet due to health concerns. White was always quick with a witty comeback. Here are a few of her best one-liners:
“I have no idea what color [my hair] really is, and I never intend to find out.”
“It is important that you not believe your own publicity. Be grateful for whatever praise you receive but take it with a grain of salt.”
“Anger tears me up inside…my own…or anyone else’s.”
“I think older women still have a full life.”
“I get bored with people who complain about this or that. It’s such a waste of time.”
“Doing comedy, if you don’t get the laugh, you know you bombed. It’s a tough business.”
“I know I’m fortunate, and boy am I grateful.”
“I’ve always been a cockeyed optimist. I got it from my mom. I’m gonna stick with it.”
“If you live without passion, you go can go through life without any footprints.”White certainly lived her passion during her long life and acting career, with her a documentary celebrating her life premiering as planned in 2022. For more Betty White in her own words, check out her 2011 book If You Ask Me And Of Course You Won’t).
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